New York City Lounges

While sports are the theme and die-hard focus here, Jay-Z's 40/40 Club is anything but your typical sports bar. Shoddy wood paneling, neon beer signs and peanuts won't be found here; instead, there's a deliciously chic Manhattan lounge-feel created by a sleek 24-foot slate bar, retro-fabulous chairs suspended from the ceiling and charcoal, gold and purple color schemes. Crème de la crème for sports fans, 15 LCD TVs, 8 plasma screens and four 12x12-foot two-sided big screen TVs offer all the game action in what is possibly one of the finest sports bars around. If you're feeling peckish, order something from the designer menu of Latin-Soul lounge food, which includes mouthwatering treats like fried deviled eggs, Latin spiced shrimp cocktail, slow roasted spiced beef tacos and char-grilled steak skewers marinated in a bourbon, brown sugar & scallion sauce.

Angel's Share is a tricky place to find, but navigating your way to the unmarked door through the Japanese restaurant, past the curtain and on the 2nd floor is well worth the effort. The ultra-classy design, Eastern-influenced style and incredibly posh atmosphere blend perfectly with the expertly mixed cocktails from the meticulous Japanese bartenders. The rules are strict here, so don't show up if you like to stand around (you have to be seated), if you're with a group of over four people or if you enjoy being loud—it's all about quiet, swanky-sophisticated style at Angel's Share. If you need something to nibble on while sipping your cocktail or sake, order from the anything-but-pub-fare menu of snacks like Japanese sausage, dim sum and sashimi.

Captivating, exotic and seductive, Azza is an oasis of Persian rugs, curtained enclaves and silk pillows that could rival the rich appeal of an Arabian palace. Styled with a North Africa-meets-Europe vibe, red and gold lights set the stage for listening to world beats and sinking into plush couches with the business end of a hookah in one hand and a specialty cocktail in the other. Those seeking a little more movement than the opium-den-couch-potato can pull up a big leather chair to the poker table or head to the curtained off room with the pool table. The restaurant side of Azza serves French Moroccan cuisine in an equally beautiful atmosphere of rich colors, bejeweled lamps, translucent drapes and flickering candles.

If attaining Nirvana, kneeling before a giant Buddha, savoring braised short ribs or sipping a mango infused cocktail is on your list of things to do, you might do well to visit the Buddha Bar. This restaurant-cum-temple in the Meat Packing district blends the eclectic styles of Europe and Asia to create a culturally-hip venue for the famous and non-famous alike to retreat to when seeking enlightenment served up with a twist. The main dining room is bright and presided over by a 17-foot smiling Buddha, and the lounge area is filled with cushy couches and silky opium den-like enclaves complete with red-glass chandeliers. There's even a glass-encased area in the middle which acts as a primo smoking lounge for those who need a mid-ascension nicotine break.

In one of the most famous hotels in the country, the Waldorf-Astoria, lies the legendary Bull and Bear lounge, complete with one of the finest mahogany bars in the world. This nod-to-Wall-Street bar is the common hangout of regal folks and stock players that want to watch the ticker from a cushioned seat while sipping their early morning martini. Every weekday, from 5pm to 6pm, stop in to the Bull and Bear to sip your EOD cocktail and watch as the daily Fox Business Network news show "Happy Hour" is filmed at the bar.

Cozied up under the arm of some grandfathered law and nifty loophole, Circa Tabac is one of the few remaining places where smokers can get their fix with their drinks. The bar sells over a hundred types of cigarettes from all over the world as well as a hefty list of cigars, which perfectly compliment the primo list of spirits and cocktails. There's also a funky, culturally-schizophrenic menu of treats like lamb, pigs in a blanket and filet mignon croissant sandwiches. Circa Tabac often gets packed in the later hours with people unapologetically puffing away and listening to jazz, rock and hip-hop. Air purifiers help to keep the space breathable.

A good time is sure to be had at the East Village's Crocodile Lounge. Beers are served with free personal pizzas, making them well worth the price. Complete with two skee-ball lanes, a vast array of video games, a photo-booth and outdoor patio area, The Crocodile Lounge guarantees an evening of good laughs, cold beer and hot pizza. Check out Wednesday night's Trivia Challenge and embolden your competitive streak.

Styled after a dark and sultry speakeasy hidden behind dimly lit wooden doors, Death & Co. is a chic and atmospheric hideaway for those daring enough to enter despite the ominous name. Flickering kerosene lamps and classic chandeliers sparkle on the gold-flecked walls, setting the perfect, intimate stage for enjoying something from the fabulous list of wines, scotches and whiskies. In the times of the Prohibition, it was thought that alcohol was the surest road to death's door; well, if you do wander through these distinctive doors to find that old cloaked master of darkness, you'll probably spot him up at the bar exchanging coy glances with a pretty girl while getting tipsy on one of the amazing specialty cocktails.

The Grand Bar and Lounge is not only one of the most opulent bars in New York City, but it is also located in New York's most fashionable district. The Soho Grand Hotel, which houses the Grand Bar and Lounge, is distinct in its contemporary design and is regarded as the premier destination for the luxury traveler. New York legends from Woody Allen to Rudy Giuliani make up the bar's regular clientele. If you are looking to marry New York nightlife with luxury, look no farther.

History keeps the crowds coming back to this Chinatown hotspot. Formerly an erotic massage parlor, Happy Ending Lounge has transformed a simple Chinatown storefront into a decadent New York nightlife destination. The downstairs club level boasts original tiling and fixtures from the club's ill reputed past. The drinks and staff equally exceed expectation. The illustrious back story makes this New York club scene all the more interesting and appreciated.

Nothing says "I had a wild time last night" like the need for a good Bloody Mary in the morning, and the King Cole Bar & Lounge might just serve you the best Mary you'll every have—after all, this is where the spicy lady's American legend began. Fernand Petiot created the Bloody Mary at Harry's New York Bar in Paris, and then brought the spicy, tangy concoction to the states here at the Cole, calling it the Red Snapper and embedding it in cocktail fame. At King Cole Bar & Lounge, you can order the drink by either name, sit back in one of the nicest, classiest environments in the city and gaze at high-rollers, socialites, celebrities and the Maxfield Parrish mural of Old King Cole himself.

For the most secluded, relaxing, and luxurious nightlife experience, Milk and Honey is bar none. This ultra exclusive, ultra expensive bar is accessible by reservation only to non-members. However, the effort is well worth it. The service exceeds legendary, the drinks are artisan-crafted masterpieces, and the ambiance is nothing short of breathtaking. Make sure to check out the "House Rules" before your visit, which include no name-dropping, no hooting and hollering and no loitering outside.

The West Village's unassuming nature lends itself to the comfortable atmosphere at this favorite New York City bar. The wine list can't be beat, including some of the best reds and whites from around the world. Their selection of international wines is rivaled solely by their beer selection. Low-key atmosphere provides the perfect contrast to the top-notch selection of drinks. Whether you are catching up with friends or going on a first date, great wines flow second to great times at the Other Room.

Pravda is a Lafayette legend for some of the finest vodkas you'll ever experience. This Soviet-chic subterranean lair is decked out with Russian-style street lights, red banquettes and buttery brown leather chairs; the bathrooms tout the USSR experience with white washed walls and stainless steel toilets with chicken wire on the stalls. It's not the cold and rich style that brings the fashion mavens and low-key socialite crowd to Pravda, though; it's the amazing selection of over 70 vodkas (including ten house-infused flavored vodkas) and stunningly seductive cocktails. The menu is chock full of Russian delicacies, including caviars that price from $13-$400.

Over 50 vodkas, fantastic ports, rare scotch whiskeys and wonderful cognacs round off the list of indulgences at the Russian Vodka Room. This welcoming haven for vodka and fine food devotees features a menu of incredible Russian treats, from borsht to caviar to roast duck to stroganoff, and live piano music from renowned Russian jazz and blues artists is provided nightly. This is the kind of place that you could visit with a few good friends to have a delicious meal, curl up with a chilled glass of vodka and listen to music while the world passes by.

Though this trendy bar in New York's Little Italy is sleek and sophisticated, it lacks the drama and pretension that can ruin the loveliest of locales. It's comfortable, chill vibe makes it easy to focus on the brilliance of the bar menu. A wide array of specialty beverages and martinis are sure to please. Grab a seat at the bar and watch the expert mixologist whip up ginger, lychee or strawberry balsamic martinis. Complete with an indoor smoking lounge, Shebeen is on the list of New York nightlife's most relaxing destinations.